Animal control responded to two recent incidents involving wild turkeys during breeding and nesting season. An 83-year-old Alameda woman was injured after two turkeys attacked her from behind, leading to an emergency room visit, a CT scan, and six stitches. A dog was also reportedly attacked. Police said hostile behavior is often linked to male turkeys competing for dominance or protecting offspring. Wild turkeys are non-native to California and were introduced in 1959 after the California Department of Fish and Wildlife started a population from farmed birds. Males can reach up to 4 feet tall and about 25 pounds, and may attack shiny vehicles due to reflection. Residents have reported turkeys blocking intersections and pecking at cars, including a December felony animal cruelty charge after a man shot and killed one. Police advise giving birds space and never feeding them.
"The Alameda Police Department said in a Facebook post Thursday that the hostile behavior "is often associated with male turkeys competing for dominance or while protecting their offspring.""
Read at SFGATE
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